Dear Parents/Carers,

This week is Catholic Schools Week, an annual event in our Diocese that helps to highlight the contribution that Catholic schools have made to the educational landscape in Australia. The faith and spiritual dimension of a Catholic school must always be at the forefront of what we do as teachers and parents, as this is our point of difference to other school systems.

Traditionally we would have open classrooms to showcase some of the great learning that is happening at St John's. Unfortunately this is not currently possible with the restrictions, so we will post some photos this week on our school's Facebook page to show you what the students have been doing in their classrooms.

This year also coincides with an acknowledgement of 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. It is worth noting that St John's holds a special place historically in the Diocese of Wollongong by being the oldest school in the diocese. A temporary Catholic school first began in 1828 in the Campbelltown area, with a permanent building constructed in 1840. This building is now called Quondong and is near the Campbelltown Catholic Club. In 1914, the school needed more space and moved to our current site. Throughout much of this history, our school was led by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. We stand on the shoulders of many hard working women and men who were committed to providing children with a good education in the Catholic tradition.

School times

Thank you to the parents who responded to our recent survey regarding the possibility of changing our school times. We also received helpful feedback from many others. As part of our ongoing consultation process, we are able to confirm at this stage that if there is going to be a change of times, it would not be implemented until the beginning of 2022. This will be fairer to parents who have made arrangements for this year, as well as giving us more time to make any necessary arrangements to help a smooth transition.

Just a reminder that currently our day begins with assembly at 8.55am and gates open for pick-up from 3.00pm. This is earlier than normal to help us adhere to social distancing requirements. 

Parent-School Partnership Framework

This week I would like to highlight the fifth and final of the principles of the Parent-School Partnership Framework - "Active Engagement." This principle focuses on supporting engagement in learning and well-being. To succeed in this area, it is incumbent on all of us to: communicate openly information about a child's learning and well-being; modelling a positive attitude to learning; actively supporting consistent school attendance; and facilitating a positive learning environment at home and school.

Paul Moroney
Principal

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating

their birthday this week, 28th February - 6th March

Congratulations to all our award recipients this week

KR - Gabrielle B

1R - Liberty P

2R - Matilda B

3R - Monica M

4R - Oliver B

5R - Eziah F

6R - Jeremy M

Project Compassion

We are starting our fundraising for Project Compassion for this year.  This year, Caritas asks us to ‘BE MORE’ to help people in need.

During Lent, we are doing a few different things this year to raise funds to support Caritas.

Chickens for Eggs

We know that just $5 can buy a chicken to provide eggs for a school in the Solomon Islands. Children are invited to decorate one (or more) chickens at $5 each. Your $5 donation will give you one chicken, decorated by your child with brightly coloured feathers, with your child’s name clearly marked on the chicken. These will be displayed in the office windows. This is completely optional. Families may opt to buy one chicken for the family. Children will be invited to decorate their chicken(s) during lunch time. Any questions, please contact the office.

Tanks for Living

Caritas tells us that for $600, they can construct a water point to provide clean, reliable water for a community in Tanzania.

We are having a blue mufti day on Friday 5 March 2021 to raise money that could go towards this cause.  We ask that every child bring in a gold coin donation towards this worthwhile project and wear blue clothing that day. Please be aware that children need to wear enclosed shoes and a hat. 

Project Compassion boxes

These have been placed on all prayer spaces in all classrooms.  We will keep a tally of each classes’ total each week. 

Chayse Beaver in Kinder Blue was invited to be a part of the

taping of a PLAYSCHOOL episode this week. It will go to air in

May, so keep an eye out for our little star.

Clothing Pool is open this Friday 5th March from 8.30am down in the Clothing pool room.

Please don not attend if you are feeling unwell and remember to practice good hygiene

We are also happy to receive donations of uniforms

thank you

If your child is away from school it is important to let the school know as soon as possible with a specific reason, e.g. what type of illness they have, If you are filling in a note on the Compass app, please add an explanation in the details/comments box .

Do not enter into compass if they are going to be late or leave early, that needs to be done from the school end.

It is really important to keep your child at home if they are unwell, this will help with the spread of illness. In the current COVID 19 climate ,if you child displays cold/flu symptoms, your child will besent home and you will need to get a medical clearance for your child to return to school 

If your child has a covid test, please notify the school when they have the test and as soon as you get your results please forward these on to the school.

Just a reminder that due to Covid restrictions Children are unable to bring in any type of food/gifts for sharing with their class. There is the option of purchasing Zooper Doopers from the canteen, These are now available to purchase through Flexischools or you can order and pay at the front office.

Thank you for your understanding with this matter

Due to COVID restrictions parents are currently not allowed on school grounds. We also need to limit the amount of visitors that come into the office, so please only come into the office if necessary.

  It is important that you let the office know as soon as possible, via email or phone, if you are picking your child up prior to dismissal (including time).  We can then arrange to have them in the office ready for you.

Please note we are unable to arrange collection of your children during break times (11.15am-12 & 1.15pm-2pm) without prior notice. Please do not enter late arrivals or early departures into compass, this needs to be done by the school office.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.